I do, with a 26....
I have a Forespar ADJ 6-12. As the name implies, it's adjustable from 6 to 12 feet. It works like a boathook (1/4 turn to lock/unlock.) I should note that Forespar doesn't recommend this model for a 26 footer; they suggest the type with a line and cleat to adjust the length. Mine came with the boat. It has, on occasion, collapsed down to 6 feet under pressure, but I continue to use it in light to moderate conditions. The attachment point is a padeye on the forward face of the mast about 20 inches up from the cabintop. The other end goes on the jibsheet, up against (but not through) the clew. I usually set the length at about 9-10 feet, and reroute the sheet outside the shrouds to the cleat near the sternrail seats. Anytime I pole out the jib, I also rig a preventer on the main (and I try to remember to raise the centerboard when sailing downwind.) This setup is good for anything from a broad reach (say, 150 degrees apparent) to a dead run. Most experts suggest a foreguy or topping lift, or both, to control the height of the clew, but I'm not set up for that, and it hasn't caused any problems so far. I store the pole in the V-berth; Forespar sells hardware for mast storage, rail storage, etc. as well as mast tracks so you can adjust the height where the pole attaches to the mast. The pole really makes a difference; without it, the jib is pretty useless on a broad reach or run. Forespar also has a nifty little pamphlet describing the techniques, as well as listing all the goodies they sell for sailing wing-and-wing. Most of the contents of the pamphlet are on the web, at the link below.
